Iloilo United Royals’ Escoto initiates “Donate Shoes for a Cause”

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Richard Escoto, the All-Star forward of the Iloilo United Royals in the MPBL, initiated the “Donate Shoes for a Cause” drive to help families in need of the most help in Barangay Kaligayahan, Quezon City amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drawing inspiration from his Father-in-law, Quezon City Councilor Freddy Roxas, Escoto’s donation drive’s primary aim was to reach 50,000 pesos but passed their expectations in just a few days after hitting the 80,000-peso mark.

Escoto posts photos of the shoes to be sold on his social media accounts where interested buyers can then message him.

Also, some PBA stars including Arwind Santos, Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Wendell Comboy, Aaron Black, and his brother Russel Escoto donated shoes to be sold and help their fellow Tamaraw with the drive he put up.

“We started donation within our community Barangay Kaligayahan since we had to identify each beneficiary. We really wanted to give to those who really needed help the most. Then we started to give also to some of the communities nearby,” Escoto said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

So far, Escoto was able to sell 30 shoes/items including some bags and he still has more coming.

Escoto also addressed his Ilonggo fans that supported them from day one of the MPBL to the playoffs: “Prevention is better than cure. So please let’s follow our government officials to stop and put an end to this virus by: staying at home, go out only when it’s very necessary, wear masks, and please observe social distancing. Most especially let’s all continue to pray for the safety of each and everyone. God bless. Salamat gid!”